I am just watching the news here in Melbourne about Hurricane Sandy in the US.I hope that everyone living in that area will be okay.There is just some breaking news that thousands of people are trapped in their houses because they didn't pay attention to evacuation warnings. So far there has been 5 storm related deaths.

Metta to my fellow Canadians who are under the sway of Sandy, and to all those Americans who are getting the brunt of the storm.

MichaelThe thoughts I've expressed in the above post are carefully considered and offered in good faith.

And friendliness towards the world is happiness for him who is forbearing with living beings. -- Ud. 2:1To his own ruin the fool gains knowledge, for it cleaves his head and destroys his innate goodness. -- Dhp 72

Right Speech: It is spoken at the right time. It is spoken in truth. It is spoken affectionately. It is spoken beneficially. It is spoken with a mind of good-will. [AN 5.198]

Personally, I seem to gain the most insight when I am under the most pressure, when life is at its most unpleasant. There is something in me on those occasions which feels that there is nothing left but to be aware of 'this'. Ajahn Sumedho - Don't Take Your Life Personally, p288

My thoughts go out to all those affected by Hurricane Sandy.May you all be well and safewith metta,

Ben

“No lists of things to be done. The day providential to itself. The hour. There is no later. This is later. All things of grace and beauty such that one holds them to one's heart have a common provenance in pain. Their birth in grief and ashes.” - Cormac McCarthy, The Road

Learn this from the waters:in mountain clefts and chasms,loud gush the streamlets,but great rivers flow silently.- Sutta Nipata 3.725

Pretty bad here. Sent my kids and wife to stay with family outside of the city. Some buildings have had their facades stripped off and look like life-sized doll houses. No power, no reception for Manhattan south of 26th St. I still don't thin this will convince climate change nay-sayers though. Karuna to all those who weren't as lucky, especially the 100-200 houses that burned down in Queens last night.

To avoid all evil, to cultivate good, and to cleanse one's mind — this is the teaching of the Buddhas.-Dhp. 183

Living in South Jersey we took the brunt of the storm... My family and I are ok. So is our home.. But some good friends of mine were not so fortunate. One friend (who lives along a river) had his house wiped away by that same river during the storm. Another friend had his home burglarized while he evacuated it on monday night.. Trees and power lines are down everywhere.. Atlantic City boardwalk was demolished by the waves... Many people have damages to their homes and properties.. However everyone i know is physically well, which is most important.

thanks for all the well wishes

may all be well

"whatever one frequently thinks and ponders upon will be the inclination of one's mind"

My thoughts and best wishes are with you and your communities. Now is the time you will be amazed by community spirit - those who were not badly affected can form voluntary working groups to help clean out inundated homes and yards of friends and complete strangers, take rubbish away, donate furniture and clothes, give emotional support, and help bring the community together. This brought a positive 'we will not be defeated' attitude to those whose homes and workplaces were wrecked in Brisbane with our flood - it is a long process, but strengthens communities and individuals.

with mahametta,Chris

---The trouble is that you think you have time------Worry is the Interest, paid in advance, on a debt you may never owe------It's not what happens to you in life that is important ~ it's what you do with it ---

It's been too long, but I have missed you all, and I count myself among the lucky ones, as one man from my neighborhood died in the storm. An extra chance to reflect on impermanence and death, but it was rather daunting to face the storm.